Note

4.2 | Property, plant and equipment

Additions have been valued at acquisition cost restated to reflect the effects of inflation, net of the related accumulated depreciation. Depreciation has been calculated by applying the straight-line method over the remaining useful life of the assets, which was determined on the basis of engineering studies.

Subsequent costs (major maintenance and reconstruction costs) are either included in the value of the assets or recognized as a separate asset, only if it is probable that the future benefits associated with the assets will flow to the Company, being it possible as well that the costs of the assets may be measured reliably and the investment will improve the condition of the asset beyond its original state. The other maintenance and repair expenses are recognized in profit or loss in the year in which they are incurred.

In accordance with the Concession Agreement, the Company may not pledge the assets used in the provision of the public service nor grant any other security interest thereon in favor of third parties, without prejudice to the Company’s right to freely dispose of those assets which in the future may become inadequate or unnecessary for such purpose. This prohibition does not apply in the case of security interests granted over an asset at the time of its acquisition and/or construction as collateral for payment of the purchase and/or installation price.

The residual value and the remaining useful lives of the assets are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, at the end of each fiscal year (reporting period).

Land is not depreciated.

Facilities in service: between 30 and 50 years

Furniture, tools and equipment: between 5 and 20 years

Construction in process is valued based on the degree of completion and is recorded at cost restated to reflect the effects of inflation less any impairment loss, if applicable. Cost includes expenses attributable to the construction, when they are part of the cost incurred for the purposes of acquisition, construction or production of property, plant and equipment that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use. These assets begin to be depreciated when they are in economic conditions of use.

Gains and losses on the sale of property, plant and equipment are calculated by comparing the price collected with the carrying amount of the asset, and are recognized within Other operating expense or Other operating income in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The Company considers three alternative probability-weighted scenarios and analyzes the recoverability of its long-lived assets as described in Critical accounting estimates and judgments (Note 6.c).

The valuation of property, plant and equipment, taken as a whole, does not exceed its recoverable value, which is measured as the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell at the end of the year (Note 6.c).

Revenue recognition

Note

4.4 | Revenue recognition

a.

Revenue from sales

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration collected or to be collected, taking into account the estimated amount of any discount, thus determining the net amounts.

Revenue from the electricity supplied by the Company to low-income areas and shantytowns is recognized to the extent that a renewal of the Framework Agreement is formalized for the period in which the service was rendered. At the date of issuance of these financial statements, the Company is negotiating the extensions of the Framework Agreement with the Federal and the Provincial Governments, as the case may be (Note 2.f).

Revenue from operations is recognized on an accrual basis and derives mainly from electricity distribution. Such revenue includes electricity supplied, whether billed or unbilled, at the end of each year, which has been valued on the basis of applicable tariffs.

The Company also recognizes revenue from other concepts included in distribution services, such as new connections, reconnections, rights of use on poles, transportation of electricity to other distribution companies, inasmuch as the services are provided on the basis of the price established in each contract. Revenue is not adjusted for the effect of the financing components as sales’ payments are not deferred over time, which is consistent with market practice.

The aforementioned revenue from operations was recognized when all of the following conditions were met:

1.

The Entity transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards;

2.

The amount of revenue was measured reliably;

3.

It is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Entity;

4.

The costs incurred or to be incurred, in respect of the transaction, were measured reliably.

b.

Interest income

Interest income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate method. Interest income is recorded in the accounting on a time basis by reference to the principal amount outstanding and the applicable effective rate.

Interest income is recognized when it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Entity and the amount of the transaction can be measured reliably.

The classification of commercial interest and surcharges in the Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income is modified, as the Company believes that the concepts related to interest for delinquency in the payment of trade receivables and surcharges applied to customers due to late payment or other associated penalties provide relevant information about the operation and operating cash flows of the business; therefore, they are disclosed within the other operating income account. The Company’s Management believes this disclosure reflects the impacts of the operating cycle, allowing for consistency with the treatment of other concepts such as the impairment of receivables, particularly taking into consideration the current context detailed in Notes 1 and 2, which increased the delay in the time taken to make payments, including in this last case the restriction on some measures aimed at limiting delays in payment from customers.

Trade and other receivables

Note

4.6 | Trade and other receivables

a.

Trade receivables

The receivables arising from services billed to customers but not collected as well as those arising from services rendered but unbilled at the closing date of each year are recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

The receivables from electricity supplied to low-income areas and shantytowns are recognized, also in line with revenue, when the Framework Agreement has been renewed for the period in which the service was provided.

b.

Other receivables

The financial assets included in other receivables are initially recognized at fair value (generally the original billing/settlement amount) and subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method, and when significant, adjusted by the time value of money. The Company records impairment allowances when there is objective evidence that it will not be able to collect all the amounts owed to it in accordance with the original terms of the receivables.

The rest of the other receivables are initially recognized at the amount paid.

Financial assets

Note

4.8 | Financial assets

Note

4.8.1 | Classification

The Company classifies financial assets into the following categories: those measured at amortized cost and those subsequently measured at fair value. This classification depends on whether the financial asset is an investment in a debt or an equity instrument. In order for a financial asset to be measured at amortized cost, the two conditions described in the following paragraph must be met. All other financial assets are measured at fair value. IFRS 9 requires that all investments in equity instruments be measured at fair value.

a. Financial assets at amortized cost

Financial assets are measured at amortized cost if the following conditions are met:

i.

The objective of the Company’s business model is to hold the assets to collect the contractual cash flows; and

ii.

The contractual terms give rise, on specified dates, to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on principal.

b. Financial assets at fair value

If any of the above-detailed conditions is not met, financial assets are measured at fair value through profit or loss.

All investments in equity instruments are measured at fair value. For those investments that are not held for trading, the Company may irrevocably elect at the time of their initial recognition to present the changes in the fair value in other comprehensive income. The Company’s decision was to recognize the changes in fair value in profit or loss.

Note

4.8.2 | Recognition and measurement

The regular way purchase or sale of financial assets is recognized on the trade date, i.e. the date on which the Company agrees to acquire or sell the asset. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive the cash flows from the investments have expired or been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the ownership of the assets.

Financial assets are initially recognized at fair value plus, in the case of financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition thereof.

The gains or losses generated by investments in debt instruments that are subsequently measured at fair value and are not part of a hedging transaction are recognized in profit or loss. Those generated by investments in debt instruments that are subsequently measured at amortized cost and are not part of a hedging transaction are recognized in profit or loss when the financial asset is derecognized or impaired and by means of the amortization process using the effective interest rate method.

The Company subsequently measures all the investments in equity instruments at fair value. When it elects to present the changes in fair value in other comprehensive income, such changes cannot be reclassified to profit or loss. Dividends arising from these investments are recognized in profit or loss to the extent that they represent a return on the investment.

The Company reclassifies financial assets if and only if its business model to manage financial assets is changed.

The expected losses, in accordance with calculated coefficients, are detailed in Note 6.a).

Note

4.8.3 | Impairment of financial assets

At the end of each annual reporting period, the Company assesses whether there is objective evidence that the value of a financial asset or group of financial assets measured at amortized cost is impaired. The value of a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired, and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a “loss event”), and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably measured.

Impairment tests may include evidence that the debtors or group of debtors are undergoing significant financial difficulties, have defaulted on interest or principal payments or made them after they had come due, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization, and when observable data indicate that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in payment terms or in the economic conditions that correlate with defaults.

In the case of financial assets measured at amortized cost, the amount of the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The asset’s carrying amount is reduced and the amount of the impairment loss is recognized in the Statement of Income.

While cash, cash equivalents and financial assets measured at amortized cost are also subject to the impairment requirements of IFRS 9, the identified impairment loss is immaterial.

Note

4.8.4 | Offsetting of financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, and the net amount reported in the Statement of Financial Position, when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Cash and cash equivalents

Note

4.10 | Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from their acquisition date, with significant low risk of change in value.

i.

Cash and banks in local currency: at nominal value.

ii.

Cash and banks in foreign currency: at the exchange rate in effect at the end of the year.

iii.

Money market funds, which have been valued at the prevailing market price at the end of the year. Those that do not qualify as cash equivalents are disclosed in the Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss account.

Trade and other payables

Note

4.12 | Trade and other payables

a.

Trade payables

Trade payables are payment obligations with suppliers for the purchase of goods and services in the ordinary course of business. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if payments fall due within one year or in a shorter period of time. Otherwise, they are classified as non-current liabilities.

Trade payables are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

b.

Customer deposits

Customer deposits are initially recognized at the amount received and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

In accordance with the Concession Agreement, the Company is allowed to receive customer deposits in the following cases:

i.

When the power supply is requested and the customer is unable to provide evidence of his legal ownership of the premises;

ii.

When service has been suspended more than once in one-year period;

iii.

When the power supply is reconnected and the Company is able to verify the illegal use of the service (fraud).

iv.

When the customer is undergoing liquidated bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings.

The Company has decided not to request customer deposits from residential tariff customers.

Customer deposits may be paid either in cash or through the customer’s bill and accrue monthly interest at a specific rate of BNA for each customer category.

When the conditions for which the Company is allowed to receive customer deposits no longer exist, the customer’s account is credited with the principal amount plus any interest accrued thereon, after deducting, if appropriate, any amount owed by the customer to the Company.

c.

Customer contributions

Refundable: The Company receives assets or facilities (or the cash necessary to acquire or build them) from certain customers for services to be provided, based on individual agreements and the provisions of ENRE Resolution No. 215/12. These contributions are initially recognized as trade payables at fair value with a contra-account in property, plant and equipment, and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

d.

Other payables

The financial liabilities recorded in Other Payables, including the loans for consumption (mutuums) with CAMMESA, the Payment agreement with the ENRE, and the advances for the execution of works, are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost.

The recorded liabilities for penalties accrued, whether imposed or not yet issued by the ENRE (Note 2.e), and other provisions are the best estimate of the settlement value of the present obligation in the framework of IAS 37 provisions at the closing date of these financial statements.

The balances of ENRE Penalties and Discounts are updated in accordance with the regulatory framework applicable thereto and on the basis of the Company’s estimate of the outcome of the renegotiation process described in Note 2.e.

Deferred revenue

Note

4.14 | Deferred revenue

Non-refundable customer contributions: The Company receives assets or facilities (or the cash necessary to acquire or build them) from certain customers for services to be provided, based on individual agreements. The assets received are recognized by the Company as property, plant and equipment with a contra-account in deferred revenue, the accrual of which depends on the nature of the identifiable services, in accordance with the following:

·

Customer connection to the network: revenue is accrued until such connection is completed;

·

Continuous provision of the electric power supply service: throughout the shorter of the useful life of the asset and the term for the provision of the service.

Income tax

Note

4.16 | Income tax

The income tax is recognized in profit or loss, other comprehensive income or in equity depending on the items from which it originates.

The Company determines the income tax payable by applying the current 30% rate on the estimated taxable profit.

Additionally, the deferred tax is recognized, in accordance with the liability method, on the temporary differences arising between the tax base of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the Statement of Financial Position. However, no deferred tax liability is recognized if such difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill, or from the initial recognition of an asset or liability other than in a business combination, which at the time of the transaction affected neither the accounting nor the taxable profit.

The deferred tax is determined using the tax rate that is in effect at the closing date of the financial statements and is expected to apply when the deferred tax assets are realized or the deferred tax liabilities are settled.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if the Company has a legally enforceable right to offset recognized amounts and when deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income tax levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are stated at their undiscounted nominal value.

Moreover, Law No. 27,430 provides for the application of the tax inflation adjustment set forth in Title VI of the Income Tax Law for the first, second and third fiscal year as from its effective date (in 2018), if the IPC cumulative variation, calculated from the beginning to the end of each year, exceeds fifty-five percent (55%), thirty percent (30%) and fifteen percent (15%) for fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Although as of December 31, 2018, the IPC cumulative variation did not exceed the 55% threshold for the application of the tax inflation adjustment in that first fiscal year, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the IPC cumulative variations for the 12 months of each year amounted to 36.13% and 53.77%, respectively, which exceed the 15% and 30% thresholds fixed for the third and second transition years of the tax inflation adjustment, and, therefore, the Company has applied the tax inflation adjustment in the calculation of the current and deferred income tax provision.

Provisions and contingencies

Note

4.18 | Provisions and contingencies

Provisions have been recognized in those cases in which the Company is faced with a present obligation, whether legal or constructive, that has arisen as a result of a past event, whose settlement is expected to result in an outflow of resources, and the amount thereof can be estimated reliably.

The amount recognized as provisions is the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation, at the end of the reporting year, taking into account the corresponding risks and uncertainties. When a provision is measured using the estimated cash flow to settle the present obligation, the carrying amount represents the present value of such cash flow. This present value is obtained by applying a pre-tax discount rate that reflects market conditions, the time value of money and the specific risks of the obligation.

The provisions included in liabilities have been recorded to face contingent situations that could result in future payment obligations. To estimate the amount of provisions and the likelihood of an outflow of resources, the opinion of the Company’s legal advisors has been taken into account.